Navorro Bowman Scouting Report

Navorro Bowman is the best 4-3 outside linebacker prospect for the 2010 draft. Bowman has great speed for a 232 pound linebacker and is equally effective rushing the passer or dropping into coverage. Bowman has obvious first round talent, but his mile long list of off-the-field incidences might scare some teams away. Through just 33 games, Bowman has tallied 215 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, broken up 12 passes, intercepted 3 passes, forced 3 fumbles, and even blocked a kick on special teams. He also recovered a fumble earlier this season, which he ran back 91 yards for a touchdown. Bowman is excellent against the run, and rarely misses a tackle if he gets his hands on the ball carrier. He has solid coverage skills, and the speed to turn and run with NFL tight ends and running backs. He will need to work on not biting on play action, because his speed won't save him at the next level. Bowman has decided to fore go his senior season and declare for the 2010 draft.If a team can look past his run-ins with the law, Bowman could go in the late first round and no later than the early second round. Navorro Bowman did not have the combine performance he had hoped for. He ran a disappointing 4.72 second 40 yard dash. He looked good during position drills, but his speed and athleticism are a big part of his value. He did improve with a 4.61 at his pro day, which should help him. Bowman is likely to go somewhere in the second round, but may slide to the lower half.